Which combining form means a nipple?

• A. Ped/o
• B. Gnath/o
• C. Papill/o
• D. Axill/o

Answer: (C)

The combining form meaning nipple is papill/o. It comes from papilla, a small nipple-like projection, and is used in terms that describe nipple-related structures, such as papilloma (a benign growth resembling a nipple) and papillary (nipple-like). In anatomy, the nipple itself is called the papilla mammae, which reinforces this connection. The other roots refer to different body parts—ped/o to the foot or a child, gnath/o to the jaw, and axill/o to the armpit—so they do not mean nipple.